Anyone who had a heart...
It’s mildly amusing that I now have to add cardiologists to my list of doctors to see this week. By amusing, I mean to say horrendously frightening. I often get the two mixed up. My dad is still stuck in South Africa unable to get a flight back for the surgery. He is on stabilising drugs so they’re keeping his heartrate down, but they want him to be operated on as soon as he gets back here. Ultimately it’s all about money. If he had it, he could pay for a flight. Or for surgery in South Africa. Given that he flew on a frequent flyers ticket, the airline whose name shall not be mentioned but who is the only airline to start with a Q, will not issue him a ticket. He’s on a couple of standby lists so they expect him to turn up at the airport daily, hooked up to oxygen, to wait for ticket cancellations. Compassion and making money seem to be natural adversaries.
So I’m doing the rounds of the cardiologists, trying to set up appointments for him without knowing when he’s getting back.
Me: He’s on standby so it could be any day now.
Cardiologist’s secretary: We can’t make an appointment until you know when he’s back.
Me: It’s an emergency. Can we book something provisionally?
Cardiologist’s secretary: We can’t make an appointment until you know when he’s back.
Me: He’s back on Wednesday
Cardiologist’s secretary: But you just said…
Me: I was confused. (Awkward giggle)
Pause
Me: Hello? Hello?
Engaged signal.
And after speaking to 4 gastroenterologists and surgeons we have decided to agree to the bowel resection for O on Tuesday. One of the doctors thought it was the worst thing we could do, an insanely cowboyish action on behalf of the surgeon. The other three said we'd be negligent not to do the operation. I’ve laboured over the decision and realise that I need to be guided by the majority of the doctors, something I find frightening. By frightening I mean FUCK WHAT IF WE MAKE THE WRONG DECISION AND CAUSE OUR LOVELY CHILD TO BE INCONTINENT FOR LIFE??? I often get the two mixed up.
On the plus side, I thought I was having contractions but it turned out to be a bad case of Indian food. See, things could be worse...
So I’m doing the rounds of the cardiologists, trying to set up appointments for him without knowing when he’s getting back.
Me: He’s on standby so it could be any day now.
Cardiologist’s secretary: We can’t make an appointment until you know when he’s back.
Me: It’s an emergency. Can we book something provisionally?
Cardiologist’s secretary: We can’t make an appointment until you know when he’s back.
Me: He’s back on Wednesday
Cardiologist’s secretary: But you just said…
Me: I was confused. (Awkward giggle)
Pause
Me: Hello? Hello?
Engaged signal.
And after speaking to 4 gastroenterologists and surgeons we have decided to agree to the bowel resection for O on Tuesday. One of the doctors thought it was the worst thing we could do, an insanely cowboyish action on behalf of the surgeon. The other three said we'd be negligent not to do the operation. I’ve laboured over the decision and realise that I need to be guided by the majority of the doctors, something I find frightening. By frightening I mean FUCK WHAT IF WE MAKE THE WRONG DECISION AND CAUSE OUR LOVELY CHILD TO BE INCONTINENT FOR LIFE??? I often get the two mixed up.
On the plus side, I thought I was having contractions but it turned out to be a bad case of Indian food. See, things could be worse...
posted by Yidchick at 3:31 pm
6 Comments:
If you haven't already, write to your local/regional/national newspapers and share a little of your saga with them. Why the hell can't the Q people find it within their hearts to fly your Pa home for critical surgery? It's just wrong. And on the Baby O front, what a tough decision. With a majority of physicians in agreement, though, you musn't doubt yourselves.
Agree with Lin here. Q should be horse whipped. And that decision for O is tough YC. We're thinking of you and wishing the best for you all.
xxx
You are Super Woman. And by SuperWoman I mean SuperMom, SuperDaughter, and all around funny/brave/brilliant babe.
I love you.
gosh
and when i say 'gosh' what i mean 'jesus christ, what in the name of buddha is life going to hurl your way next? it isn't fair'
((hugs)) all round
UC
YC, I keep having this insane faith in O. That somehow she'll heal - she'll beat all of it and come out shining.
And your Dad,too.
Meanwhile, if you can just stay sane until then, huh?
it is said that when we pass major tests in life we get a beautiful reward in the world to come. prepare yourself for a bitching olam haba, yidchick!
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